Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
Family-Friendly Weekend Events in Columbus, Ohio:
1. Go Apple Picking
Check the link for a list of 6 local orchards where you can pick your own apples!
2. Visit a Pumpkin Farm or Fall Festival
There are so many Fall Festivals going on in Central Ohio that there are too many to put on this list individually! Make sure to click the link to find a local farm where there are hayrides, pumpkin picking, farm activities and more! Most, but not all, of the Fall Festivals happen on the weekends only!
3. Find Your Way Out of a Corn Maze
Click the link for a list of corn mazes in Central Ohio to find one to visit this weekend!
4. Wizards & Wands Festival Westerville Public Library
From October 1-31, Westerville Public Library will be hosting the Wizards & Wands Festival with all sorts of performances and activities. There will be fantasy-themed missions and prizes! The library will be turned into a fantasy land with an Enchanted Forest to walk through in the Kids Area. This weekend will offer a Magical Storytime, and a Disney Heroes Adventure. See the link for the complete description of all activities throughout the month.
5. Brick or Treat Monster Party at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus
From October 1-31, LEGOLAND will be celebrating with a not-too-scary Brick or Treat family fun event featuring an exclusive 4D Movie, themed games and activities, Halloween photo ops and more! Included in admission.
6. Harvest Blooms at Franklin Park Conservatory
Enjoy two pumpkin houses, an overflowing cornucopia and lots more fall foliage at Franklin Park Conservatory’s Harvest Blooms! This exhibition will be on display now through November 3rd and is included in regular admission or membership.
7. Hoovers Haunted Maze
Choose between two levels of “scary” at the Haunted Maze at Hoover Gardens! The maze is open any time the store is open (generally 10AM – 5PM) and is $3/person for all-day access.
(See my list of Halloween Events for something to do every day of October!)
8. Fall Farm Family Fun at Young’s Jersey Dairy
Fall Fun at Young’s Dairy includes pumpkin picking, Cowvin’s Corny Maze & Playland, haunted wagon rides, and more! a Moo-It-All wristband is available for $25 and includes a two-dip waffle cone! Hours are daily from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
9. Pack a Meal Kit for Hungry Neighbors with Seeds of Caring
Through November 24, your family, group, or team can show love to hungry neighbors by packing a healthy meal kit for local families. In this do-anywhere project from Seeds of Caring, kids 2-12 will explore food insecurity through a video and age-appropriate discussion. Then, helping hands will decorate a message of caring and pack a bag with items to make a delicious bean chili meal.
10. Pumpkins Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
Wednesday through Sunday you can attend this Special Engagement Event at Franklin Park Conservatory to enjoy over a thousand illuminated pumpkins along the paths, a pumpkin tunnel light show, pumpkin houses, dancing skeletons and more! There will be activities for kids, lawn games and more! Hours are 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are required.
11. Boo at the Zoo at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
On Friday from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Boo at the Zoo will include family-friendly activities, Trick or Treat Trail, the Character Express, pumpkin carving, and much more!
12. Columbus Italian Festival
The Columbus Italian Festival takes place in Italian Village on Friday from 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Saturday from 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM. It includes live entertainment, a parade, Italian cultural events, kids activities and rides. Ages 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Tickets are $10 online and at the door.
13. Clintonville Jamboree
Explore the businesses along North High Street in Clintonville on Friday from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM for trick-or-treat, live music, pop-up artists, food, shop specials, kids activities and more! Check the link for participating businesses.
14. Ghost Trolley at Ohio Railway Museum
On Friday and Saturday evenings, you can enjoy scary stories and eerie encounters along the railroad tracks. A train ride is included! Timed tickets are available online.
15. Spanish Book Fair at Main Library
This book fair celebrates Hispanic literature with over 25 Latine authors, Spanish-language programming, folkloric dances, live music and food at Main Library on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
16. Halloween Hop at Broad & Westmoor
Hop into the businesses of Broad & Westmoor for a vendor market, Slice of Heaven baked goods, kids activities, candy at each location, and a mural dedication! This event takes place from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and the mural dedication is at 12:00 PM on Saturday.
17. Car Cruise-in at Lehners Pumpkin Farm
Visit Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm for a Car Cruise-in and touch-a-truck on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
18. Groveport Apple Butter Day
On Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, crafts, a fishing derby, musical performances, old-fashioned tractors, and, of course, apple butter!
19. Peter and the Wolf at McConnell Arts
Enjoy a magical retelling of Peter and the Wolf including dance and orchestra performances. This performance is tailored for families and takes place on Saturday at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM and Sunday at 3:00 PM. Tickets are available online.
20. Pumpkin Palooza at Cowling Park
Head to Cowling Park for face painting, touch-a-truck, photo ops, sidewalk decorating, food trucks, cotton candy and a pumpkin pie eating contest. This event is free and it takes place on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
21. Fall Fest at Slate Run Metro Park
On Saturday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Slate Run Metro Park enjoy hayrides, pumpkins, crafts, archery, s’mores and more! There will be games from the 1880’s, food trucks and vendors.
22. Second Saturday at Tanger
This month’s theme is Pumpkin Party and there will be free pumpkin painting, a giant pumpkin bounce house, live music, food trucks and more on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Tanger Columbus.
23. Sesame Street Live at Mershon Auditorium
Watch your friends from Sesame Street sing, dance and play at Sesame Street Live on Saturday at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available online. You can also upgrade your ticket for a Photo Experience.
24. Mums & Mummies at Westgate Park
On Sunday from 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM take part in a costume contest, games and activities, a Trunk-or-Treat, baked good sale, mum sale and more at Westgate Park.
25. Sedgie the Hedgehog & Magic Show at Olentangy Caverns
Meet Sedgie and enjoy a kid-friendly magic show by Erica Carlson at Olentangy Caverns on Sunday at 2:00 PM.
26. Drop In: Wildlife and Cookies at Highbanks Metro Park
Drop into the Nature Center at Highbanks Metro Park to learn about wildlife, go on a scavenger hunt and eat cookies between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on Sunday.
27. Hispanic Celebration at Saint Mary School German Village
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with food trucks, drinks, music, dance lessons, crafts, mechanical bull riding, live performances, a pinata and more at Saint Mary School German Village on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
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*Please be aware, information is gathered from multiple community sources. Times, dates and locations are subject to change. There may be a fee to participate in a featured activity. Please call ahead or check links to confirm activities. Inclusion of an event on this list is not considered an endorsement. Please use your best judgement when attending public events and consult your doctor if you have questions regarding the safety level of a public event. Read my disclaimer here. Enjoy what you do today!*